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Leicestershire Development Watch January 2026
Local Housing, Planning & Community Updates – January 2026
January has brought a series of locally significant planning and development updates across Leicestershire, with new housing schemes progressing through planning, council-led projects nearing completion, and fresh development opportunities appearing at auction.
This page pulls together the key local stories and provides direct access to council planning portals so progress can be tracked as schemes evolve.
Croft Set for Up to 95 New Homes After Planning Approval
Plans for a major residential development in Croft have progressed after outline planning permission was granted for up to 95 homes on land at Croft Lodge Farm.
The scheme, promoted by Bellway’s strategic land team, was approved by Blaby District Council, subject to a Section 106 agreement securing more than £400,000 in contributions for local infrastructure and services. Funding is expected to support education, healthcare, policing, transport, library services and sports facilities.
Initial proposals indicate that around 25 per cent of the homes will be affordable, alongside new pedestrian links, areas of public open space and landscaping designed to retain existing trees and hedgerows.
Detailed layouts, access arrangements and house designs will be submitted later under a reserved matters application.
Useful links
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Bellway Strategic Land – Croft announcement
https://www.bellwaystrategicland.co.uk/news-insights/outline-planning-permission-secured-for-up-to-95-homes-in-croft -
Blaby District Council – Planning application search
https://www.blaby.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-applications/search-for-applications/
£2 Million Thurmaston Housing Redevelopment Nears Completion
A £2 million housing redevelopment in Thurmaston is entering its final construction phase, with completion expected in spring 2026.
The project at St Michael’s Court, led by Charnwood Borough Council, replaces former sheltered accommodation with nine new energy-efficient bungalows designed to meet modern accessibility standards.
External works, including roofing, brickwork and solar panel installation, have been completed. Internal fit-out and landscaping are now under way.
The development forms part of the council’s wider programme to modernise its housing stock and improve accommodation for residents with mobility needs.
Useful links
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Charnwood Borough Council – Planning and housing pages
https://www.charnwood.gov.uk -
Background local coverage
https://leicestertimes.com/leicester-news/thurmastons-sheltered-housing-set-for-major-overhaul-with-new-accessible-bungalows/
Affordable Housing Scheme Planned for Hathern
Land with planning permission for a 25-home affordable housing development in Hathern has been sold to regional housebuilder Cadeby Homes.
The scheme will be delivered in partnership with housing association Stonewater and is expected to provide a mix of affordable homes aimed at meeting local housing needs. The sale was handled by property consultancy Mather Jamie.
Further details on the tenure mix and construction timetable are expected once development work begins.
Useful links
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Stonewater (housing association)
https://www.stonewater.org -
Charnwood Borough Council – Planning search
https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/planning_search
Developer Funds Community Defibrillator in Stathern
A new public access defibrillator has been installed in Stathern, funded by local housebuilder Davidsons Homes.
The equipment is intended to strengthen emergency response capability in the village and has been welcomed as a practical community safety measure linked to nearby development activity.
Details on the defibrillator’s exact location and access arrangements are expected to be shared locally through parish council channels.
Useful links
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Davidsons Homes
https://www.davidsonsgroup.co.uk -
Stathern Parish Council
https://www.stathernparishcouncil.gov.uk
Development Plots and Conversion Sites Head to Auction
A number of development plots and conversion opportunities across Leicestershire were listed for auction during late January and early February 2026.
The listings include small residential plots, former public houses and mixed-use buildings suitable for redevelopment, many with planning permission or prior approval already in place.
Auction sales remain an important route for local builders and investors seeking smaller-scale opportunities outside major housing allocations.
Useful links
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SDL Property Auctions
https://www.sdlauctions.co.uk -
Bond Wolfe Auctions
https://www.bondwolfe.com -
Cottons Auctions
https://www.cottons.co.uk
What We’re Watching Next
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Reserved matters submissions for the Croft housing scheme
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Completion and tenant allocation at St Michael’s Court, Thurmaston
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Progress on the Hathern affordable housing development
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Auction results and post-sale planning activity
This page will be updated as new applications are submitted and further details emerge.
Planning Tracker
Live council planning portals
Use the links below to track live planning applications, weekly lists and decision notices across Leicestershire. Search by address, site name or application reference.
District and city councils
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Blaby District Council – Planning search
https://www.blaby.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-applications/search-for-applications/ -
Charnwood Borough Council – Planning applications
https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/planning/planning_applications_and_searches -
Leicester City Council – Planning register
https://planning.leicester.gov.uk -
Melton Borough Council – Planning search
https://www.melton.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-applications/search-for-planning-applications/ -
Harborough District Council – Online planning
https://pa2.harborough.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=simple&searchType=Application -
North West Leicestershire District Council – Planning
https://www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/planning
County-level planning & highways
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Leicestershire County Council – Planning and highways
https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning